Program Manager

Description

The company builds defense products on Coherent Distributed Networks (CDN), used by warfighters, commercial air operators, and border protection teams to sense and respond to threats faster.

Founded in 2022, the company has raised $1 billion from investors including 8VC, Accel, and Valor Equity Partners. It is headquartered in Los Angeles, with offices in Washington, D.C., San Francisco, San Diego, Seattle, and London, and employs 250 people.

You will lead delivery of the radar product line and keep cross-functional teams aligned on customer requirements, schedule, and budget. You will work with Business Development, Production, Customer, and Engineering teams to run the program and meet all technical and contract objectives.

You will report to the (Acting) Director of the Program Execution Office.

Responsibilities

• Own the full program lifecycle so cost, schedule, and performance goals are met.
• Oversee all technical and operational functions, and plan, organize, and control resources to complete every contract deliverable and service.
• Plan and direct the contractual, technical, multi-disciplinary engineering, programming, maintenance, and administrative work described in the contract.
• With the technical delivery team, track progress and report program status and milestones to leadership in regular briefings.
• Work with technical delivery leads to acquire and deploy project resources.
• Make sure enough qualified staff are in place to finish the contract statement of work (SOW) on time and to standard.
• Coordinate engineering, supply chain, manufacturing, operations, and BD so the program runs as one integrated effort.
• Lead efforts to clear project problems and blockers.
• Act as the main point of contact for the customer's COTR and technical POC on contract, cost, schedule, and performance.
• Set up and run program management reviews with the customer covering contract performance, topics of interest, and issue resolution.
• With the technical delivery team, draft and finalize quarterly technical reports, status reports, final reports, and other contract documents.
• Manage the program budget and resource allocation to meet project needs efficiently.
• Support financial controls and administrative work on the project.
• Record scope changes and make sure each one fits the project goals.

Requirements

• A B.S. in engineering, computer science, business, or a related field, or equivalent program management experience in a fast-paced, dynamic setting.
• 5+ years of project or program management on complex projects of similar scope and complexity.
• Strong written and verbal communication, with the ability to explain complex information clearly and concisely to varied audiences.
• Project Management Professional (PMP) certification.
• Ability to work on-site 4-5 days per week in El Segundo, CA or Washington, D.C.
• Ability and willingness to travel up to 30% as needed for program and customer objectives.
• U.S. citizen or lawful permanent resident of the U.S.
• Ability to obtain and keep a U.S. security clearance.
• Preferred: experience in DoD, military, or other government settings on a related subject such as project management, engineering, or computer science, in a fast-paced, dynamic environment.
• Preferred: a U.S. security clearance.
• Preferred: experience with tools such as JIRA and Confluence.
• Preferred: experience tracking Key Performance Indicators (KPIs) and/or Technical Performance Measures (TPMs).
• Preferred: prior systems engineering or software integration experience.
• Preferred: an advanced degree in a technical field.

Conditions

Work 4-5 days a week on-site at the Los Angeles (El Segundo), CA or Washington, D.C. office.

Travel up to 30% as needed.

The stated pay range covers base salary only and does not include bonus, equity, or benefits. The range is an estimate, and the actual offer may vary with factors such as experience, education, training, critical skills, and business needs. You are encouraged to apply even if your pay expectations fall outside the range.

Benefits

• Medical, dental, and vision coverage, with the company paying 100% of the premium.
• 401(k) with a 50% company match on up to 6% of pay, plus FSA, HSA, life insurance, and more.
• Free lunch every day, no meetings on Fridays, unlimited PTO, and a casual dress code.
• Competitive base salary, generous pre-IPO stock option grants, and relocation assistance.
• Annual bonuses are coming soon.